COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Jevahn Sathasivam, one of Sri Lanka’s brightest young golf talents from Asian International School and Royal Colombo Golf Club, began on a journey to Scotland for the prestigious R&A Junior Open Championship, set to start at Kilmarnock Barassie from July 15-17.
Sixteen-year-old Jevahn, alongside Kaya Daluwatte, stands as Sri Lanka’s sole representatives in this elite junior golfing event, where top talents under the age of 16 from around the world gather under the auspices of the R&A.
Jevahn’s invitation to this illustrious tournament stemmed from his victory in the Sri Lanka Junior Open 2023, meeting stringent selection criteria laid out by Sri Lanka Golf following his exceptional performance throughout the 2023 season. His credentials were subsequently ratified by the R&A and endorsed by the Ministry of Sports.
Departing the island on July 7, Jevahn aims to acclimatize to the challenging Scottish conditions, characterized by unpredictable weather and the distinctive links courses typical of coastal settings. These courses, known for their undulating fairways and strategically placed bunkers rather than water hazards or trees, present a unique test for golfers.
With a robust game that combines powerful drives and a deft short game, Jevahn has quickly risen in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) since his debut last year, driven by his December victory. His return to competitive golf after a hiatus for O/L exams highlights his dedication, practicing rigorously for over five hours daily under the guidance of coaches K Kumar (swing), Mithun Perera (putting), and his mental conditioning coach.
Beyond golf, Jevahn captains the AIS Basketball team, displaying his all-round sporting talent and leadership skills. This marks his third representation for Sri Lanka Golf, with aspirations to secure a permanent spot in the national team.
Looking ahead, Jevahn’s calendar brims with challenges, including local fixtures like the RCGC Club Championship and international tournaments sanctioned by WAGR. Notably, the R&A Junior Open aligns closely with The Open, offering participants a glimpse of the PGA and Liv Golf stars in action.
This year’s championship, hosting 120 players from 69 R&A-affiliated countries, sets the stage at Kilmarnock Barassie Links ahead of the 152nd Open at Royal Troon, continuing the tradition of linking the event to the prestigious Open venue.
